Re: What Is Hip/teaching etc

[Tom McMillian <sbrush@infomagic.com>]

Dave wrote,


> I agree,  TOP still kicks butt,  but in my opinion, that isn't the only
> reason they are
> "almost there".  I have had the opportunity to see TOP live about 5 times
> in the last 3 years,
> and although I think Nick Milo is a fine "keyboard" player,  he isn't quite
> there as a "Hammond"
> player.  I have seen much improvement in him over the years but,  as I
> stated in a previous
> Email,  Chester Thompson is a tough act to follow.  CT is a classic Hammond
> player with strong
> jazz and blues roots.  Check out his album "Powerhouse" from 1971 if you
> can find it and you'll
> see what I mean.  Each time I have seen TOP recently Nick Milo has tried to
> impress on organ
> with playing solos that had a lot of notes but not much meaning or feeling.
> CT could play a lot of
> notes,  but man that cat has the funk.  I still think he is one of the
> premier organists in rock music.
> So,  I agree that a real Leslie will definitely add to the sound,  but he
> still needs better drawbar
> settings and a whole lot more soul.
> 
> Just my $.02,
> 
> Dave


Then BW wrote:


> 
> That would be the Tower of Power song, featuring Chester Thompson.  
>      It's one of two or three absolute classic TOP songs.  I beleive that 
>      the song was how this thread began!
>      
>      -BW
> 


My .02 says that CT's (Chester Thompson) mark was made playing with TOP
(and vis versa). While he is ok playing with Santana, his style is
really framed with the funk of TOP. I know we have talked about this
before, but CT is the first hammond player that I was aware of to "kick"
bass (with TOP). I saw TOP when CT was playing with them many times. In
the early 70's it was a site to see him kicking bass with plateform
shoes on! For those who have not heard CT kick bass, listen to the live
version of "knock yourself out" When he is playing his solo, it is just
him, the drummer and the guitar player. Check it out. Man, I miss those
days. I agree with dave regarding Nick Milo's playing. You can tell he
comes from a classical and jazz background. He has gotten better, but,
he is no CT. Sorry to take up so much on this thread. TOP happens to be
my favorite all time band, event w/o CT.

Tom